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What to do if…
you notice new slurred speech or difficulty getting words out

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy USA guide

Short answer

Call 911 now and say you think it could be a stroke. Do not drive yourself to the ER.

Do not do these things

  • Do not “wait and see” if it passes, even if it’s mild or comes and goes.
  • Do not drive yourself or let someone else drive you to the hospital.
  • Avoid eating or drinking unless the 911 dispatcher or a clinician tells you it’s safe.
  • Do not take aspirin or start new medicines “just in case,” and do not take extra doses of anything. Tell EMS what you already take.
  • Do not go to sleep or “lie down for a while” to see if it improves.
  • Do not downplay it because you can still walk or symptoms seem subtle.

What to do now

  1. Call 911 immediately.
    • Say: “New slurred speech or trouble getting words out — possible stroke.”
    • If you’re alone and speech is hard, put the phone on speaker and stay on the line. If you can’t speak clearly, follow prompts as best you can, make sound if you can, and do not hang up.
  2. Write down the time symptoms started, or the last time speech was normal.
    • If the start was unwitnessed, use the last known well time: the last time you were definitely speaking normally.
  3. Do a quick B.E. F.A.S.T. check while help is coming, but do not delay the call.
    • Balance: sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or trouble walking?
    • Eyes: sudden vision change?
    • Face: drooping or an uneven smile?
    • Arms: weakness, numbness, or one arm drifting down?
    • Speech: slurred, strange, hard to understand, or unable to get words out?
    • Time: 911 has already been called.
  4. Prepare for EMS arrival quickly.
    • Unlock the door if safe, turn on a light, move pets aside, and keep your phone nearby.
    • If you’re in an apartment or gated building, share the entry code or simple access instructions with the dispatcher.
  5. Reduce fall and choking risk.
    • Sit down or lie somewhere safe with your head and shoulders supported.
    • Do not pace around.
    • If you vomit, become very drowsy, or cannot sit safely, roll onto your side if you can.
  6. Make a one-minute handoff for EMS.
    • On paper or your phone, write: symptom start time or last known well time, your address, medicines you take, especially blood thinners or anticoagulants, and allergies.
    • If easy, put your medicines or their containers near the door. Do not delay EMS to do this.
  7. If symptoms stop, still treat it as an emergency.
    • Short-lived speech trouble can still be a warning sign that needs urgent evaluation.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide whether it’s a stroke, a TIA, a migraine, anxiety, or something else before calling.
  • You do not need to contact your primary care office first.
  • You do not need to arrange your own ride.
  • You do not need to document every symptom. Focus on symptom start time or last known well time, medicines, and allergies.

Important reassurance

Sudden trouble speaking is frightening, especially if everything else seems normal. Calling 911 is the right step when stroke is possible, even if you are not sure.

Scope note

This guide covers first steps only: getting urgent help and avoiding dangerous delays. Diagnosis and treatment decisions belong with clinicians once you are evaluated.

Important note

This is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. If you suspect a stroke or sudden neurological symptoms, call 911.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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